Montrose Basin

Montrose Basin is a tidal lagoon on the east coast of Scotland, just inland from Montrose in Angus. The basin forms part of the River South Esk estuary and is almost circular in shape. It is protected by several conservation designations, including a Wildlife Reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The site also holds Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest status. A Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site cover the basin, recognising its importance for wildlife. The basin contains a wide range of habitats, from exposed tidal mudflats to saltmarsh, reedbed and fen. Surrounding farmland adds to the diversity of the landscape. Dun’s Dish is a small freshwater loch within the protected area. The basin holds the largest saltmarsh area in Angus and has been studied for evidence of sea level changes since the last ice age. Maryton, on the basin’s edge, is a key research site for these fluctuations. A visitor centre at Rossie Braes on the south side offers views over the basin. The mudflats support large numbers of invertebrates, including worms, snails and mussels. These attract wading birds such as oystercatchers, redshanks and knots, along with wildfowl like mute swans and eiders. Pink-footed and greylag geese gather here in winter, feeding in nearby fields. Over 210 bird species have been recorded, with more than fifty breeding on site. The basin’s history includes evidence of human activity dating back over five thousand years.